Gateron Beer vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Gateron Beer and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) mechanical keyboard switches, one noticeable difference is in their tactile profiles. The Gateron Beer, inspired by the Tsingtao beer bottle, offers a unique, translucent green appearance and a refreshing lightness to its keystrokes. With a stepped tactility and a clacky sound signature, it presents an easy-to-press option with a distinct feel. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) boasts maximum tactility, providing a sharp and clean clack with an invigorating feel. While the Beer switch offers a more subtle tactile experience, the POM T1 delivers a punchy and accentuated tactility for those seeking a more pronounced feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
While the Gateron Beer and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) both boast unique and high-quality housing materials, they differ in their sound profiles. The Gateron Beer's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, providing a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) features POM housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a distinctly different typing sensation. This contrast in sound profiles gives users the option to choose between a more vibrant and sharp typing experience with the Gateron Beer or a deeper and more subtle sound with the POM T1 (Sunflower).
In terms of aesthetics, the Gateron Beer's polycarbonate top and bottom housing allows for the passage of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. This feature enables users to customize their keyboards with colorful lighting effects, adding a touch of personalization to their setup. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) may not offer the same level of translucency for RGB lighting but makes up for it with its unique sound profile. The POM housing of the POM T1 (Sunflower) contributes to a more subdued and mellow typing sound, which may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience without sacrificing quality.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) may have different housing materials, both switches offer high-quality construction and performance. Whether you prefer the sharp and crisp sound of the polycarbonate housing in the Gateron Beer or the deeper and more muted sound of the POM housing in the POM T1 (Sunflower), both switches provide a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences such as the use of RGB lighting.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light and smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, giving a more substantial push feel when typing. While the Beer switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter keystroke for extended typing or gaming sessions, the POM T1 is better suited for users who prefer a firmer push for a more pronounced typing experience. Both switches offer different levels of force that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose the option that best suits their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch have differing travel distances. The Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the POM T1 has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Beer may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers, while the longer travel distance of the POM T1 may provide a more satisfying depth when pressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Beer offering a shorter travel distance for quicker feedback and the POM T1 providing a longer travel distance for a more pronounced keystroke feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Beer switch offers a characteristic clacky sound that is sharp and snappy, giving a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch provides a resonant and sharp sound profile with a higher pitch, offering a clean and immersive typing experience. Both switches provide distinct sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the Beer switch leans towards a more clacky sound while the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a cleaner and sharper resonance.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Beer switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a responsive and low-impact typing experience. It also features a stepped tactility, offering a more mild tactile feedback compared to hypertactile switches. In contrast, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is described as sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating, providing a high feedback intensity with a distinct tactile bump for each keypress. Overall, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a more intense and pronounced tactile feedback compared to the gentler feel of the Beer switch.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Gateron Beer switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offer different experiences to users. The Beer switch provides a clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel with stepped tactility, giving a refreshing and lightweight typing experience. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch offers a resonant and sharp sound profile with sharp, accented, snappy, and invigorating tactile feedback, catering to those who seek maximum tactility in their typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the distinct characteristics of these two switches to customize their mechanical keyboard setups.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Beer tactile switch or the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it is important to assess your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more subtle tactility with a clacky sound signature, then the Gateron Beer switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking maximum tactility, a medium-heavy bottom out force, and a sharp, clean clack sound, then the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Choose wisely based on your individual needs and enjoy the satisfying feel of your mechanical keyboard.
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